The new look of Northwave.

Northwave didn't pull any punches with the design of the Extreme Tech Cycling Shoe, and it's immediately apparent. One glance at the Extreme Tech, and you'll realize that this shoe is something special. Now pick it up. Yup, that's what 198 grams feels like -- it's the lightest shoe on the market. Northwave built the upper from a single shell of ultralight microfiber to eliminate stitching for the lightest possible weight, the best fit and feel, and virtually no hot spots or chafing. The ventilated carbon fiber soleplate is incredibly thin and boasts a weight of just 60 grams while remaining ultra-stiff for instant power transfer. Extreme Tech shoes are compatible with all the top pedals on the market and, thanks to Northwave's innovative low-profile adapter, can even be used with Speedplays.

Northwave used BioMap (Biomechanical Mapping) analysis to design the Extreme Tech Cycling Shoe. Athletes are tested extensively to help Northwave design products that work in perfect synergy with the body's systems. This testing ensures optimal fit, comfort, and performance. Biomap testing contributes to every design aspect of the shoes, including cut design and material selection. What all this translates to are shoes that work with your body to optimize performance.

The S.B.S. (Step By Step) ratcheting system provides stable closure that won't come undone or loosen while you ride. It allows you to dial in a precise fit so you can maximize pedaling efficiency without having to deal with hot spots and blisters. Extreme Tech shoes also incorporate Northwave's proprietary Speed Lace Winch System, which allows you to adjust the fit of your shoe while you’re on the bike so you can easily accommodate any swelling that might occur on longer rides.

The carbon fiber soleplate is much lighter than other, less costly sole materials. It also allows Northwave to reduce sole thickness for direct power transfer from your foot to the pedal. Ventilation is taken care of by vents at the toe and on the sides of the shoes. The Extreme Air footbed allows air to move under your feet for complete circulation. The Extreme Air footbed is also anallergenic and antibacterial to minimize odors.

Northwave Extreme Tech Shoes come in White/black, and Orange/green. They are available in whole sizes 39 to 48 and half sizes 39.5 to 45.5.

Here's what others have to say...

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Great lightweight shoe

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I am a big fan of my Giro Factors but these are a close second. They are priced great right now as a close out, so if they have your size, you should consider. And on the issue of size, I suggest going up 1/2 to 1 size from chart. If you read other reviews you will see similar recommendation. The forefoot is slightly roomier than most Italian shoes and the heel cup is great-snugs your heel and prevents any unwanted slippage. Carbon sole is stiff and lightweight. Lot's of vents in sole which is great for our hot Savannah summers. If there is any shortcoming in these shoes it is the insoles provided-there is a thin and thicker set to accomodate fit-they offer very little support in the arch area. That's OK with me since I use the yellow Superfeet insoles in all my cycling shoes. I'v put about 500 miles on them so far and highly recommend.

Comment on Bill Brown's review:

Great shoes

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I really like these. They are very light and durable. I bought the whites and I use them in the summer and they keep the feet cool with all the vents. Not sure what Northwave offers for the winter time, but after riding with these I'd like to buy another pair for the winter.

Have an answer for ongp491555?

Worth the money

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

First off, I ordered directly according to the chart, 46 for regular size 13. I enjoy a tight but not uncomfortable fit and this works very well. I use this shoe riding for about 25 miles at a time and I am relatively new to cycling so this is my first shoe; but I can say I like it a lot. The wire tightening system works very well in terms of how smoothly it operates and how well it holds the foot in place; it tightens evenly across the foot and feels very secure. The main strap is adjustable in single increments after tightened which is helpful for on-bike adjustments when it feels too tight. All around a great shoe if you are looking to spend a little more to get the upper-end of technology or if you are looking to spend a less and still receive a great shoe competing with the likes of $500 Sidi's.

Comment on Scott L.'s review:

Small compared to chart, amazing shoe

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I ordered the 42.5s as per the sizing chart and I could barely get my foot in the shoe. I'm currently running Giro Trans 44s and I wear Nike basketball socks to get that extra thick foot padding in the toe box.

I sent the 42.5s back and rocked some 44s. If I were running thin cycling socks I would have went 43.5 so the benchmark should be +1 for sizing.

I liked the simple lines/grid on the sole for cleat alignment. Dialing in LOOKs was really easy. I have ~~5 miles in these shoes and they're amazing. Very thin and very stiff was the 1st impression. I don't need a wide shoe with the NWs, they're plenty wide.

I need to get in a good club ride to get a good assessment of the shoe, but for now I'm initially very impressed.

UPDATE

Post fitting and dialing in the cleats these shoes are really good. I really enjoy the power transfer these shoes provide.

I'm a US 10, anyone order for this size...

I wear a size 11. Ordered accordingly and ended up sending back and went a size up to a twelve (45). Have put a ton of miles on them with no issues. The speedplay adapters only take a few minutes to install. Yes there is excess glue on the flap but that was nothing for me to fix.

I wear a US size 9.5, which is 42 per the size chart. Received them today, and the size is way off. I look like Cinderella's stepsister trying to stuff my foot in a crystal slipper. I wear a 44 in shimano which is consistent per the chart, so I thought I could rely on it. Now I've got new northwave speedplay adapters, a new set of cleats, and a shoe that won't fit. The size I should've ordered is no longer in stock. Pain in the you-know-what. Order a size up.

Have an answer for Paul M.?

Poor workmanship

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Fit:
True to size

I returned these shoes because they were causing discomfort. But that's not my main beef with these shoes. In order to use the Speedplay adaptors, you have to lift up a flap in the inner midsole. However, because of poor workmanship, It was almost impossible to lift up the flap to swap out the standard three-hole cleat plate with the Speedplay cleat plate due to over-gluing. It really took me more than an hour to cut away the excess glue in order to get the flap to lift up enough to swap the cleat plates.

Comment on Damon Salter's review:

Love Northwave....

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

I've been riding Northwave snowboard boots for seasons and seasons. Best boots I've ever boarded with - bomber construction. I needed new cycling shoes this summer and researched and sampled ad nauseam...until I came across these in a magazine article. I completely forgot NW makes cycling shoes. Great reviews on these and ordered 2 sizes here. Selected the best fitting of the two and sent back the ill fitting pair. Done and done. Have logged over 4500 miles with these and DO NOT have one poor thing to say about them. Fit me perfectly with a standard shaped foot. I wear 11.5 shoes and these are a U.S. size 12. Love the extra footbed and shoebag included too.

Super stiff. Super comfy. Look awesome and are of bomber construction. Also like using a different shoe from the rest of the pack. Love.

Northwave Extreme Tech Shoes - Men's

Comment on Backcountry Video's video:

Stiff, nice design

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I decided on these partly because they were on sale and for their looks. Probably the most attractive I've seen from Northwave. I ordered a 1/2 size smaller than normal and at first they really squeezed my feet, but just after a few rides they are more accomodating. The rachet and dorsal cable laces are very effective locking down the foot as well as easy to adjust on the go. Before these�I used my tri shoes for everything and this was just a big jump never having a pure carbon footbed. BUT, beware the localized plantar pressure that can result so think about insole orthotics to support the arch and distribute stress. Anyway, this shoe is a great deal especially on sale and I'm happy with my first performance/race-level buy.

The carbon soles are super light, the weight is remarkably light. I don't even notice they are on. The carbon sole is only a couple MM think so I found my stock Look cleat screws were so long they popped up inside the shoe a bit. I had to by extra short screws to remedy this.

No it doesn't. Here is the deal. I had a pair of Northwave MTB shoes that were nice and wide. I picked up the Extremes and noticed they are not as wide as other Northwave shoes. They are still not as narrow as Giro and Shimano and they fit me good, hopefully after a couple weeks they will fit me even better.

Sorry didn't see this reply in the web site transition. I love the Northwaves. No hotspots then uppers form to the feet. I bought the 44.5 and had to return them to for a 45. So you may have to go a 1/2 size up. They run a little shorter and wider that Side and really consistent to Mavic. Those are the only two shoes I have to compare. I like the shoes wrecked this summer and the first thing checked was the shoes. They were pretty scratched up so I grabbed another pair for next year I like them so much.

I love NWs and I've been riding them for a long time. Just bought the extreme tech in the same size (46) as usual and it feels much narrower than any NW I've ever had. I do have wide feet and NWs always worked for me. Not this time... It is a pity... it is a great shoe, looks good and the construction is impeccable.